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Fairport draft budget shows $3.7 million gap; board debates class‑size targets
Summary
Administrators presented a draft 2026–27 instructional budget with an estimated $3.7 million shortfall, described reserve use and potential strategies, and the board debated whether to change class‑size 'target' numbers to reflect fiscal realities.
Administrators presented the Fairport Central School District's draft 2026–27 instructional budget and told the board the district currently faces an estimated $3.7 million shortfall.
The presentation described instructional priorities — multi-tiered systems of support, data‑driven instruction and broad elective access including CTE and extracurriculars — and outlined where costs are rising, notably employee health insurance and special‑education expenses. The treasurer said benefit and health‑insurance figures are a major driver and gave high‑level estimates: a multi‑million‑dollar increase in health/dental costs and a rise in ERS pension rates from 16.5% to 17.6% (with TRS projected lower, pending final numbers).
To cover the shortfall, administrators listed options including staffing analysis, using a portion of reserves and timing one‑time purchases to maximize aid; the draft appropriates about $4.9 million from fund balance and reserves in total. The treasurer emphasized that many reserves are restricted by statute or board policy and urged an "exit strategy" for any use of one‑time funds.
Board members questioned class‑size targets and whether the district should change aspirational targets to match a more constrained budget. Several members argued maintaining lower aspirational targets communicates priorities to the community, while others said adjusting targets is a candid way to set realistic staffing and program expectations.
Administrators also previewed voter propositions for the May 19 ballot: authority to draw on a bus‑purchase reserve for this cycle's purchases and authorization to create a capital reserve fund. The board will continue budget workshops and is scheduled to finalize a recommended budget in April, with a public hearing in May and the district vote on May 19, 2026.
The board did not take a final budget vote at the meeting; staff said the draft will be revised and returned to the board for further discussion.
